The Good Earth

While the winds batter outside, four locals take refuge in a remote pub in rural Ireland where they drink, banter and trade in grim and ghostly stories. Hailed as one of the most significant plays of the 20th Century, the Sherman Theatre and Tobacco Factory Theatres present The Weir, a chilling play about Ireland, stories and salvation. There will also be Irish stew available before the performance for anyone not already sufficiently tempted!

The legendary Godfather of electronic music and performer extraordinaire, Jean-Michel Jarre is heading to the Motorpoint Arena as part of his first UK tour in six years. With his shows famed for their cutting-edge visuals, and Jarre set to perform music from his brand new LP, ‘Electronica’, this is a rare opportunity for any electronic music enthusiasts to see one of the scene’s most significant artists.

Known as the ‘world’s most terrifying play’, the residents of Milford Haven can test that claim as The Woman in Black is coming to haunts the Torch Theatre for two-and-a-half weeks. Fit to burst with ghosts and goalies, and things that go bang in the dark, the show promises to frighten anyone into the spirit of Halloween! This production is not recommended for anyone under the age of 14.

Marianas Trench have had huge success in their native Canada since their 2006 debut, and now they are venturing to Cardiff’s Globe with their sold out European Vacation tour. Perhaps this may be a chance to get ahead of the curve with the next big thing.

Made in Roath began eight years ago as a way of showcasing of art in the diverse Roath district and has now become a major year round event. This year’s annual arts festival promises eight days of innovative, high quality art – from open galleries, workshops and theatre to mechanical moths, ice maidens and lute music, the offerings shall be varied to say the least.

With the coming of the apple harvest comes, of course, the chance to ferment them and have some fun. Over the course of two days, this event at the Gower Heritage Centre offers you the opportunity to sample up some cider made in a 120-year old press, as well as local ciders and freshly pressed apple juice, and enjoy some live music from the likes of Soul Skunk and Coppertops. There’s even a real ale bar and BBQ for those non-cider drinkers!

The Millennium Centre will play host to a performance commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster. The performance will bring together some of Wales’ most celebrated musicians as well as the premiere of a specially commissioned piece by S4C from Welsh musical great, Karl Jenkins.

Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Welsh Noir in this new stage version by Malcolm Pryce’s Aberystwyth Noir; think Brighton Rock by way of Gavin and Stacey. Schoolboys are disappearing from the mean streets of Aberystwyth, and it falls to Louie Knight, the town’s (only) private detective cum ice-cream seller and his sidekick, Calamity, to solve the crime and clean the streets. Lighthouse Theatre’s stage production promises thrills for both mystery lovers and those just looking for a laugh. Also in Cwmbran Thurs 6 and Pontardawe Sat 8.

A rare chance for art aficionados to see artwork from the University of South Wales’s art collection, with works from Sarah Ball, David Nash, Robert Alwyn Hughes and many other artists put up on display at Oriel y Bont. Towards Abstraction showcases the art works of Welsh artists alongside those merely inspired by the epic south Wales landscape.

The Good Earth is a thought-provoking new work that stages a loud, full throated protest against the power of big business, heartless development and the loss of community. Using physical theatre and Welsh folk music, this Motherlode production attempts to electrify the (somewhat unpromising) story of a Welsh valleys village which council develops threaten to tear apart. Also in Brecon Wed 5; Treorchy Fri 7 and Sat 8 Blackwood.